USA Swimming announced the captains for the Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games team via twitter Sunday morning. Following a vote done by all the swimmers on the roster, Cullen Jones and Caitlin Leverenz were named team captains.
Cullen Jones will be swimming the 50 and 100m freestyles at the games where he’s a favorite to medal in both. He’ll have stiff competition from the Brazilian sprinters. Jones will also likely be an important asset to the American 4x100m freestyle relay. The Brazilians are heavily favored in that race.
Jones is also one of the most experienced swimmers on the male roster. A four time Olympic medallist, Jones has been on the national team since 2005 where he swam at the 2005 World University Games.
Leverenz is entered to swim the 200 and 400m IMs where she’s the favorite to win both. Leverenz has had a very successful season thus far, winning the BMW lease for finishing as the top female American at on the 2014-2015 Arena Pro Swim Series.
Leverenz has been to the Pan American Games once before, and is a 2012 Olympic bronze medalist. At the 2007 games in Rio, Leverenz won gold in the 200m breaststroke.
Most recently, Leverenz took home the bronze medal in the 200m IM for team USA at the 2014 Pan Pacific Championships.
To see the American roster click here.
Sooooooooo happy for Cailtin – a well deserved decision!!! She is the definition of LEADER!!!
> not having natalie coughlin be pan am team captain
LOL
Leverenz is a good choice but natalie is by far the most experienced swimmer the USA has ever had. I dont quite get this.
I have a feeling that Natalie didn’t want to be a captain but who knows?! The swimmers have chosen..